Champs 931 Chambers St.

October 2015

Trenton 365 hosted a block party on Sunday October 11, 2015 of the Columbus Day weekend.

This event took place at Championship Bar located at 931 Chambers St. in Trenton NJ.

“Champs” is my favorite local watering hole for a multitude of reasons. Only a short walk from home, they have wide variety of draft beers with a focus on local breweries, very reasonable prices and most importantly they are committed to building a better community. Some people may suggest that a bar and liquor store can bring no good to a community. In some cases that may be true, however regarding my experiences with Champs this is not the case.

A few images of Lori Johansson, during her weekly event "Art Chill Out Night."

In my opinion, Champs is a true representation of Trenton. On any give day at any given time you can see Trentonians of all walks of life enjoying themselves and others. This may include watching one of the televisions, playing video games, creating art, playing pool, reading a book or just talking with each other. You can also get some work done here as well. When I’m on site with my laptop typing away, no one bothers me, period!

The crew that visits and lives close by, is a truly diverse group representing various ethnic backgrounds, social economic statuses, sexual preferences, languages etc. This is evident by the selections on the “jukebox.” From Rap, Hip Hop, Progressive Rock, Metal, Reggae, Punk, Reggaeton, Spanish selections, Thrash, Hardcore, Country, Classic Rock, Funk, and more! Champs is also a thriving location to see original music from local, regional and national touring acts. These shows could take place on any given night. Several of the offerings are “All Ages Shows” so parents can hang with adults while the “youngsters” listen to their tunes.

The facility doesn’t have a functioning kitchen at the moment, however Champs is an economic generator for the restaurants, bodegas/grocery stores and markets in the area. On a windowsill a basket of the food offerings that make the cut are openly displayed. If you need a recommendation or suggestion any of the friendly staff members will gladly help you out.

Hank Ransome is the owner and can be seen most days at Champs taking care of business and taking in the atmosphere. Hank is a long time Bar/Restaurant Owner with experience in Philadelphia on South Street.

Nikki Nailbomb and Drew Glen manage Champs and always have several friends around who are willing to help and are equally passionate about Trenton. Nikki and Drew have also taken their passion for building a better community by partnering with Trenton 365 for the “Adopt a Library Box” and “Adopt a Trash Receptacle” programs, neighborhood cleanups and several events like the Trenton 365 Public Launch and the block parties. They are Artists, Cyclists, Musicians and simply put the type of people that every post-industrial city needs to welcome into the community.